Buried Village of Te Wairoa
Buried Village of Te Wairoa
Buried Village of Te Wairoa
4
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Experience New Zealand's most visited archaeological site where stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera Eruption come to life! Violent and unexpected, the volcanic eruption was one of New Zealand's greatest natural disasters, burying the peaceful village of Te Wairoa, and ending more than 150 lives. Today at the Buried Village encounter the world class Museum of Te Wairoa, explore the Archaeological Site which once housed the people of Te Wairoa, experience the unique insights of stories from our tour guides, and take the Waterfall Trail which showcases the stunning Wairere Falls.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.0
1,114 reviews
Excellent
527
Very good
392
Average
148
Poor
33
Terrible
14
OSUGYPSY
Oklahoma City, OK289 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Our local tour guide took us to this solemn and beautiful place. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and answered a lot of questions for us. The museum part tells an amazing story of how the eruption happened and the events afterwards. At the end of the tour us one of the most beautiful and serene walks you can get.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are pleased that you enjoyed your visit to the Buried Village and got your questions answered. The story of the Tarawera eruption in 1886 is a tragic one but nonetheless fascinating to many of our visitors. The walk along the stream and down to the waterfall is beautiful indeed and a bonus at the end of the visit. Thank you for your lovely review, it's much appreciated.
Written 8 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carole E
London, UK67 contributions
Jan 2020
We didn't take a guided tour as we wanted to wander around on our own, and we found that there was ample information provided to allow the visitor to understand what had happened in this village. The museum was well designed and set out how life must have been for people in the village at that time. It is a very moving memorial to those who perished.
The track around the village and then through the beautiful surrounding area is clearly marked and there's the option to deviate to see the waterfall. It's fairly steep and not recommended for anyone with mobility problems, but if you can do it, it's well worth the climb down (and back up!).
The track around the village and then through the beautiful surrounding area is clearly marked and there's the option to deviate to see the waterfall. It's fairly steep and not recommended for anyone with mobility problems, but if you can do it, it's well worth the climb down (and back up!).
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Buried Village is set up for self-guiding with ample information in the museum and excavations - as you said - but we do have guided tours at set times which are optional and at no extra cost. We thank you for your appreciation of our displays and your commending review.
Written 1 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
siddella
High Wycombe, UK30 contributions
Jan 2020
We loved the care and thought that has obviously gone into planning this museum and honouring the victims of the disaster as well as the people who have tried to tell their story. The museum itself had lots of detail about what life in the village was like in the mid-nineteenth century, as well as many personal details about those who were caught up in the event. Yes, you need to use your imagination when looking at the excavated sites but I found the overall impact quite moving. It’s no bad thing to be reminded sometimes of the human cost of living with the more extreme side of nature.
The lovely walk through the forest by the stream and the waterfall trail were added bonuses. Staff were friendly and helpful and there is a nice cafe.
The lovely walk through the forest by the stream and the waterfall trail were added bonuses. Staff were friendly and helpful and there is a nice cafe.
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You are right, it makes you feel humble when you look at the effects natural disasters like the Tarawera eruption have on the people and the land. We thank you for your visit and your appreciation of the Buried Village.
Written 26 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Old Bald Rocker
152 contributions
Feb 2020
Unless you are short of time, we would recommend doing the self guided tour with the visitor map provided. A lot of history and well worth our visit and also felt it was good value for money. Cafe also worth a visit, even for just a drink.
Written 11 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit and commending review, it's much appreciated!
Written 16 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lian06
80 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Lots of us went as school kids but that’s a while ago now! Nice drive from Rotorua city. Friendly and helpful service. Unique place to visit and the museum artefacts are well worth viewing to give you a strong feeling for the events of that night. Enjoyed the tea and scones at the end too.
Written 6 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many of our visitors tell us that they came here as children and wanted to re-visit and bring their own children. The history of the Mount Tarawera eruption obviously leaves a lasting impression on most visitors. Thank you for coming back after all these years, we are pleased you found the experience of the Buried Village worthwhile.
Written 10 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
heieup
Brisbane, Australia601 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Loved the village, the history was interesting and the guide was excellent. The walk around the waterfalls is just beautiful and the cafe was a decent light lunch. Would recommend, we really enjoyed it and it was different to other attractions in the area
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit and commending review. We are pleased that you enjoyed all aspects of the Buried Village experience and hope to welcome you back some time in the future.
Written 20 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stopticklingmeplease
Whanganui, New Zealand173 contributions
Jan 2021 • Friends
Came here with two friends to have a look around the buried village and have a scone and drink. We haven’t been out here since we were kids so it was rather nice to have a look at the museum and a walk around.
It is a little pricey but I think for something that is so unusual it’s worth it.
It is a little pricey but I think for something that is so unusual it’s worth it.
Written 9 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne F
Rotorua, New Zealand17 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
Visited on Wednesday 12/1 with my husband. We both really appreciate the history of the site. Seeing the museum first is a great idea. It
preloads you with information about the eruption. Also the treasure hunt for the children is a great idea. It was good hearing them discuss it and the excitement when they find a clue. We also did the walk to the waterfall. What beautiful walk, the birdsong was pretty to listen to.. I remember
doing it in the 70s and I remember not enjoying it because it was extremely steep. Also the food in the cafe excellent. Best scones ever. Lastly but most importantly are staff. Very friendly and very helpful and it is clear they enjoy their job. I did ask about future excavations and they did say some are in the pipeline but no dates given. This would certainly something to come back to.
preloads you with information about the eruption. Also the treasure hunt for the children is a great idea. It was good hearing them discuss it and the excitement when they find a clue. We also did the walk to the waterfall. What beautiful walk, the birdsong was pretty to listen to.. I remember
doing it in the 70s and I remember not enjoying it because it was extremely steep. Also the food in the cafe excellent. Best scones ever. Lastly but most importantly are staff. Very friendly and very helpful and it is clear they enjoy their job. I did ask about future excavations and they did say some are in the pipeline but no dates given. This would certainly something to come back to.
Written 14 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WRCRHP
Raetihi, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand64 contributions
May 2022
Our family loved our visit to the Buried Village.
Grandad spent a lot of time reading about the eruption in the museum, and our kids rushed ahead and followed the trail on the treasure hunt.
We loved seeing the tragic history and learning about the people who lived in the village.
Fantails followed us as we walked and trout swam in the stream. The waterfall was a really awesome sight.
Grandad spent a lot of time reading about the eruption in the museum, and our kids rushed ahead and followed the trail on the treasure hunt.
We loved seeing the tragic history and learning about the people who lived in the village.
Fantails followed us as we walked and trout swam in the stream. The waterfall was a really awesome sight.
Written 26 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rovers09
Preston115 contributions
Nov 2022
This was a really interesting place. Whilst the buildings which have been excavated are not particularly spectacular, the history of the area and especially the background story of the huge volcanic eruption are fascinating. Adding to the visit the little cafe was very pleasant and the warmth of the greeting from Margaret at the reception desk made us feel very welcome.
Written 7 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After reading the reviews, I wouldn't give two hoots about this place.
Written 8 November 2018
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